Inquirer published article: Bag Etiquette

BAG “crime”: You are attending your best friend’s wedding. It’s a black-tie affair, so you get your hair and make-up done, and you wear haute couture. You get to the wedding reception. Everything is beautiful, and everyone is so stylish. And then you spot her—a beautiful guest wearing a Grecian gown. But what is she carrying? A Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy. The first bag that most designer-loving bag hags want to own.

Make no mistake, this article is not about how designer bags are suddenly démodé—believe me, I am not one to renounce my love for designer bags. This is about proper bag etiquette—what to carry where and when you are wearing what.

Too often, women mistake their expensive designer bags as “all-around” bags. And while the temptation to carry your designer bag everywhere lingers on because you want to get mileage out of such an indulgent purchase, know when to give the bag a rest when it is not befitting to be carried to the particular event that you are attending.

To a casual party: A weekend children’s party or a backyard barbeque almost always means you can dress casually. A pair of comfortable denims with a nice Louis Vuitton Monogram Neverfull tote is definitely acceptable.

Open totes are especially great to carry if you are a “pack rat.” Bag hags with children often choose this particular style to carry at children’s parties because this open tote easily doubles as a diaper bag—the bag holds mommy’s personal belongings as well as those of her children’s.

To a business meeting: A satchel or mid-sized structured tote would work quite nicely with your business suit. The style of your bag needs to lean on the conservative side, but that doesn’t mean it should be boring.

Instead of the more common and “safe” black color go for shades l ike taupe, graphite or even plum. A Hermès Victoria in raisin fits the bill. This east-west bag style is fuss-free because of its dual zipper enclosure.

The Victoria is very practical in that you need not zip open your whole bag to take out your ringing phone.

Leave your big bag

To a cocktail party: Wearing a dress? Leave your big monogrammed designer bag at home and carry a clutch or pochette (small pouch bag) instead.

I recommend a Bottega Veneta weave clutch in black. This is one of those compact designer bags that would get a lot of mileage if you frequently attend parties. The signature detail (intrecciato weaving) is present but is subtle. The bag spells discreet elegance and won’t overpower your look.

If the invitation says “business attire”, you may also be spared criticism from pundits if you carry a mid-sized designer bag like the Chanel medium classic flap or a 28-cm Hèrmes Kelly.

To a “black tie/ long gown” affair: Do not carry a monogrammed designer tote, a big bag or your Hèrmes Birkin— even if it’s in an irresistible eye-popping shade that could inject more pizzazz to your ensemble.

Your bag may be the most expensive piece of “accessory” but it is certainly not the most suitable for the occasion. Save yourself from a fashion faux pas—do not carry a big, bulky- looking bag.

I’ve seen so many women pairing their gowns with monogrammed satchels and even big bags at weddings and I have to say, the look just does not work at all.

Carry a nice, compact minaudiere instead. Artisan minaudieres made from python, shagreen or penshell would compliment your attire for the night.

At the end of the day, you need to understand that not all bag styles are appropriate to be carried for all occasions. Learn how to edit what you put into your bag so you need not lug around a huge purse when you attend parties.

The general rule for carrying bags to more formal affairs is less is more—meaning the smaller the size, the better. If you refuse to spend big money on designer clutches and minaudieres, don’t fret. Local bag stores like Carbon, Tint and Aranaz also stock smaller bags with reasonable prices, and they won’t get you broke for the next three months.

The bottom line is this—never let your bag ruin your look.